Invierno in July ‘21

[Thomas Christensen]

Hi everyone!

I am going to Spain in July, and expect to start walking the 3rd of July and need to go back to Denmark no later than around the July 29/30 (haven’t bought home ticket yet, which I always do, when I’m in Spain). That gives me time for The Invierno and probably another camino too.

I’m a quite an experienced Camino walker, having 12 caminos behind me, but would still appreciate good advice, specific recommendations etc., also due to the fact that Covid-19 might have changed things and for example caused albergues/shops to close.

My plans so far is to walk Camino Invierno (maybe a few days first on Frances from Leon). I have the Brierley guidebook from ‘21 (“Camino Sanabrés & Invierno”), and expect 10-12 walking days, but would like to ask if you have specific recommendation regarding The Invierno and if I should be aware of a certain things on the way, also due to the Covid-19 situation?

I already have the forum guide, and would like to thank you guys, who put the effort in to making it

Thank you in advance!

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

Hi everyone!

I am going to Spain in July, and expect to start walking the 3rd of July and need to go back to Denmark no later than around the July 29/30 (haven’t bought home ticket yet, which I always do, when I’m in Spain). That gives me time for The Invierno and probably another camino too.

I’m a quite an experienced Camino walker, having 12 caminos behind me, but would still appreciate good advice, specific recommendations etc., also due to the fact that Covid-19 might have changed things and for example caused albergues/shops to close.

My plans so far is to walk Camino Invierno (maybe a few days first on Frances from Leon). I have the Brierley guidebook from ‘21 (“Camino Sanabrés & Invierno”), and expect 10-12 walking days, but would like to ask if you have specific recommendation regarding The Invierno and if I should be aware of a certain things on the way, also due to the Covid-19 situation?

I already have the forum guide, and would like to thank you guys, who put the effort in to making it

Thank you in advance!

Hi,

I walked two years ago and made a summary of where I stayed. In July as well, so it might be of interest to you. Here is the link:

Invierno July 2019

I don't know how Covid has affected all of this though.

Good that you know about Laurie & Co:s Invierno guide: you will find everything you need to know about the Invierno there!

/BP

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi everyone!

I am going to Spain in July, and expect to start walking the 3rd of July and need to go back to Denmark no later than around the July 29/30 (haven’t bought home ticket yet, which I always do, when I’m in Spain). That gives me time for The Invierno and probably another camino too.

I’m a quite an experienced Camino walker, having 12 caminos behind me, but would still appreciate good advice, specific recommendations etc., also due to the fact that Covid-19 might have changed things and for example caused albergues/shops to close.

My plans so far is to walk Camino Invierno (maybe a few days first on Frances from Leon). I have the Brierley guidebook from ‘21 (“Camino Sanabrés & Invierno”), and expect 10-12 walking days, but would like to ask if you have specific recommendation regarding The Invierno and if I should be aware of a certain things on the way, also due to the Covid-19 situation?

I already have the forum guide, and would like to thank you guys, who put the effort in to making it

Thank you in advance!

Hi, Thomas!

Great to have another Invierno groupie in our midst. If you've been reading the forum posts, you will already know that there is a good sized bunch of us who really dearly love the Invierno.

I posted yesterday about the new albergue in Monforte, which comes on the heels of a new albergue in Puente de Domingo Flórez.

Since you are an experienced camino walker,you probably know your own limitations well. I think that one of the mistakes that some forum members have made was to underestimate the Ponferrada-Médulas walk. I know a couple who wound up in Médulas totally exhausted and then didn't have time or energy to walk up to the Mirador de Orellán, which is a stunning viewpoint. That is truly a pity. There is also an alternative way to walk from Borrenes directly up to the Mirador. That would work well if you are planning to go on to Puente de Domingo Flórez for your first night, because then you would not even descend to the town of Médulas. Even if you are planning to spend that first night in Médulas, taking this route allows you to see the views as you arrive, rather than arriving in town, showering and eating, and then walking up to the mirador. If that makes sense.

Another piece of news I just received was a note from the hospitalera in Villavieja. She tells me that she is not going to continue with the management of the albergue, which means that the Ayuntamiento of Priaranza del Bierzo (that's the municipality to which the hamlet of Villavieja belongs) is going to have to figure out what to do with that albergue. For those who want a short stage starting from Ponferrada (perhaps because you arrive there in the afternoon and just want to walk!), it is a good option.

I could go on and on, as others know, but rather than blab away, I will wait to see if your have specific questions! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[pitztop]

Hi everyone!

I am going to Spain in July, and expect to start walking the 3rd of July and need to go back to Denmark no later than around the July 29/30 (haven’t bought home ticket yet, which I always do, when I’m in Spain). That gives me time for The Invierno and probably another camino too.

I’m a quite an experienced Camino walker, having 12 caminos behind me, but would still appreciate good advice, specific recommendations etc., also due to the fact that Covid-19 might have changed things and for example caused albergues/shops to close.

My plans so far is to walk Camino Invierno (maybe a few days first on Frances from Leon). I have the Brierley guidebook from ‘21 (“Camino Sanabrés & Invierno”), and expect 10-12 walking days, but would like to ask if you have specific recommendation regarding The Invierno and if I should be aware of a certain things on the way, also due to the Covid-19 situation?

I already have the forum guide, and would like to thank you guys, who put the effort in to making it

Thank you in advance!

Hi Thomas. I am planning to walk the Invierno in September or October. I'm not sure where I will start yet (León or perhaps somewhere earlier on the Francés). Please let us know about your Invierno experience in July. I (and I'm sure others) would be very appreciative of any recommendations and advice you may be able to impart as you walk. Many thanks in advance!

 

[VNwalking]

Moved from the original thread:

Welcome, Thomas!

Thomas Christensen said:
if you have specific recommendation regarding The Invierno and if I should be aware of a certain things on the way,

I can only speak to this Invierno part of your question. You'll probably be aware that there are relatively few albergues, so do adjust your budget accordingly. In 2019, I paid between 20 and 30 € per night for non-albergue accommodation. The high end was only once, in Chantada; normally it was 20-25€, quite reasonable, I thought.
There are a number of albergues opening up, too, so check the Invierno section here for most recent information about albergue openings.

That subforum has a number of Invierno threads worth checking out, and in the resource section is a guide put together by @peregrina2000 with input from many forum members:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/invierno-forum-guide.535/
@wisepilgrim has this same information online:
The Camino de Invierno in Castilla y León | Guidebooks, Maps, & Apps for the Camino de Santiago
His work is really worth supporting.

Depending on your interests and fitness, 10-12 days is quite reasonable. There are 2 places worth making shorter stages:
Ponferrada-Borrenes-Las Medulas. Many people do this in one day. But stopping in Borrenes and then Las Medulas gives you a virtual rest day and plenty of time to explore Las Medulas without a pack on your back. If you end up there on a Tuesday the village is basically shut, so plan accordingly. I did not eat well the day I was there.
Monforte de Lemos-Fion-Chantada. In Fion there is a lovely pension (Torre Vilariño), and a stop there gives time to visit a nearby castro and to walk down to a place with magnificent views of the Rio Miño. The next day is short enough so you can linger at Diomondi, and take your time down to the river and back up through the vineyards.

 

[ngm]

Hi everyone!

I am going to Spain in July, and expect to start walking the 3rd of July and need to go back to Denmark no later than around the July 29/30 (haven’t bought home ticket yet, which I always do, when I’m in Spain). That gives me time for The Invierno and probably another camino too.

I’m a quite an experienced Camino walker, having 12 caminos behind me, but would still appreciate good advice, specific recommendations etc., also due to the fact that Covid-19 might have changed things and for example caused albergues/shops to close.

My plans so far is to walk Camino Invierno (maybe a few days first on Frances from Leon). I have the Brierley guidebook from ‘21 (“Camino Sanabrés & Invierno”), and expect 10-12 walking days, but would like to ask if you have specific recommendation regarding The Invierno and if I should be aware of a certain things on the way, also due to the Covid-19 situation?

I already have the forum guide, and would like to thank you guys, who put the effort in to making it

Thank you in advance!

Hej Thomas.. Min fru och jag gjorde Camino de Invierno 2014 and the last part from Chantada, even 2016.. Just want you to notis that the part between Quiroga - Monforte de Lemo - Chantada - Rodeiro.. this part, (stages 4,5,6) is probably the most beautiful.. if you follow this guide..(well all the Camino Invierno is amaizing - Las Medulas, is exeptional ) and even the toughest !!
http://www.caminodeinvierno.com/content/1ª-etapa-ponferrada-puente-de-domingo-flórez-35-kms?fbclid=IwAR3EisX0WzRE625YRDVK6gqygUbymXJhVYTNlvol2-klBZEFcCjUhporvDQ

We've made it the first time 2014 after walking from Valencia on the Camino de Levante..the second time after walking from Granada.. and moved on from Orense (Sanabres) to Chantada.. Ther's nowhere to sleep between .. and a very few places to buy food/water..so you have to see that you are not leaving the place at morning without proviant !!

Jag kan förklara på svenska om du önskar.. men jag är usel på danska.. 46 768 714 730
Lycka till

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

the part between Quiroga - Monforte de Lemo - Chantada - Rodeiro.. this part, (stages 4,5,6) is probably the most beautiful..

Jag håller med!!

 

[austinpilgrim]

Hi Thomas. I am planning to walk the Invierno in September or October. I'm not sure where I will start yet (León or perhaps somewhere earlier on the Francés). Please let us know about your Invierno experience in July. I (and I'm sure others) would be very appreciative of any recommendations and advice you may be able to impart as you walk. Many thanks in advance!

Hi Thomas, I’m also planning to walk the Invierno in September—leaving from Ponferrada. Look forward to hearing about your experience in July.

 

[Thomas Christensen]

Hi,

I walked two years ago and made a summary of where I stayed. In July as well, so it might be of interest to you. Here is the link:

Invierno July 2019

I don't know how Covid has affected all of this though.

Good that you know about Laurie & Co:s Invierno guide: you will find everything you need to know about the Invierno there!

/BP

Thank you so much for sharing

 

[Thomas Christensen]

Hi, Thomas!

Great to have another Invierno groupie in our midst. If you've been reading the forum posts, you will already know that there is a good sized bunch of us who really dearly love the Invierno.

I posted yesterday about the new albergue in Monforte, which comes on the heels of a new albergue in Puente de Domingo Flórez.

Since you are an experienced camino walker,you probably know your own limitations well. I think that one of the mistakes that some forum members have made was to underestimate the Ponferrada-Médulas walk. I know a couple who wound up in Médulas totally exhausted and then didn't have time or energy to walk up to the Mirador de Orellán, which is a stunning viewpoint. That is truly a pity. There is also an alternative way to walk from Borrenes directly up to the Mirador. That would work well if you are planning to go on to Puente de Domingo Flórez for your first night, because then you would not even descend to the town of Médulas. Even if you are planning to spend that first night in Médulas, taking this route allows you to see the views as you arrive, rather than arriving in town, showering and eating, and then walking up to the mirador. If that makes sense.

Another piece of news I just received was a note from the hospitalera in Villavieja. She tells me that she is not going to continue with the management of the albergue, which means that the Ayuntamiento of Priaranza del Bierzo (that's the municipality to which the hamlet of Villavieja belongs) is going to have to figure out what to do with that albergue. For those who want a short stage starting from Ponferrada (perhaps because you arrive there in the afternoon and just want to walk!), it is a good option.

I could go on and on, as others know, but rather than blab away, I will wait to see if your have specific questions! Buen camino, Laurie

Thank you for helpfull reply

 

[Thomas Christensen]

Hi Thomas. I am planning to walk the Invierno in September or October. I'm not sure where I will start yet (León or perhaps somewhere earlier on the Francés). Please let us know about your Invierno experience in July. I (and I'm sure others) would be very appreciative of any recommendations and advice you may be able to impart as you walk. Many thanks in advance!

I will try to do that

 

[Thomas Christensen]

Moved from the original thread:

Welcome, Thomas!

I can only speak to this Invierno part of your question. You'll probably be aware that there are relatively few albergues, so do adjust your budget accordingly. In 2019, I paid between 20 and 30 € per night for non-albergue accommodation. The high end was only once, in Chantada; normally it was 20-25€, quite reasonable, I thought.
There are a number of albergues opening up, too, so check the Invierno section here for most recent information about albergue openings.

That subforum has a number of Invierno threads worth checking out, and in the resource section is a guide put together by @peregrina2000 with input from many forum members:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/invierno-forum-guide.535/
@wisepilgrim has this same information online:
The Camino de Invierno in Castilla y León | Guidebooks, Maps, & Apps for the Camino de Santiago
His work is really worth supporting.

Depending on your interests and fitness, 10-12 days is quite reasonable. There are 2 places worth making shorter stages:
Ponferrada-Borrenes-Las Medulas. Many people do this in one day. But stopping in Borrenes and then Las Medulas gives you a virtual rest day and plenty of time to explore Las Medulas without a pack on your back. If you end up there on a Tuesday the village is basically shut, so plan accordingly. I did not eat well the day I was there.
Monforte de Lemos-Fion-Chantada. In Fion there is a lovely pension (Torre Vilariño), and a stop there gives time to visit a nearby castro and to walk down to a place with magnificent views of the Rio Miño. The next day is short enough so you can linger at Diomondi, and take your time down to the river and back up through the vineyards.

Thank you for your helpfull reply - it’s much appreciated!

 

[Thomas Christensen]

Hej Thomas.. Min fru och jag gjorde Camino de Invierno 2014 and the last part from Chantada, even 2016.. Just want you to notis that the part between Quiroga - Monforte de Lemo - Chantada - Rodeiro.. this part, (stages 4,5,6) is probably the most beautiful.. if you follow this guide..(well all the Camino Invierno is amaizing - Las Medulas, is exeptional ) and even the toughest !!
http://www.caminodeinvierno.com/content/1ª-etapa-ponferrada-puente-de-domingo-flórez-35-kms?fbclid=IwAR3EisX0WzRE625YRDVK6gqygUbymXJhVYTNlvol2-klBZEFcCjUhporvDQ

We've made it the first time 2014 after walking from Valencia on the Camino de Levante..the second time after walking from Granada.. and moved on from Orense (Sanabres) to Chantada.. Ther's nowhere to sleep between .. and a very few places to buy food/water..so you have to see that you are not leaving the place at morning without proviant !!

Jag kan förklara på svenska om du önskar.. men jag är usel på danska.. 46 768 714 730
Lycka till

Mange tak for dit meget hjælpsomme svar samt dit tilbud om at hjælpe over telefon på svensk